Robin Van Persie in danger of losing his first-team place at Man United

Robin Van Persie is a mainstay in the United first team at present, but his performances of late have not met the standard he set back in the 2012/2013 season.

RVP needs to up his game

The Dutchman did score a vital equaliser late on against Chelsea a week ago, but once again in the Manchester derby his all-round performance was lacking. Even against Mourinho’s men, he should’ve scored more than the one he ended with, and his goal, though massive, was one that most half-decent forwards would expect to bury.

With Falcao expected to return from injury in the none-too-distant future, and with James Wilson on the first-team horizon, Van Persie needs to step up his game. He has suffered from plenty of injury issues in the last year or so which may be somewhat to blame, but his form in the last 18 months is nevertheless concerning.

As such, his first team status could be in question. Van Gaal may have to consider moving him out of the side in favour of a Rooney and Falcao front-line, if Van Persie doesn’t start firing on all cylinders.

James Wilson unquestionably has the talent to be a top United forward in the future, but for now it would be too much to ask of him to play, and deliver on a weekly basis.

Robin Van Persie should of course not be written off. All strikers have bad patches of form, but it has been a long while since United fans have seen a stellar Van Persie display, and United are certainly not lacking in attacking options should they choose to drop Van Persie from the side.

It is also worth considering that at the age of 31, Van Persie’s best days may arguably be behind him. With Falcao (though for now his signing is not permanent) and Rooney 28 and 29 years old respectively, United may even have to consider bringing in another forward in the summer.